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The Written Word

Today's tip for writers

Comma before “and”?

Which is correct: “The flag is red, white, and blue” or “The flag is red, white and blue”? Actually, both are acceptable. However, as a general practice the recommended business style is to use the comma before “and.” This comes straight from the Gregg Reference Manual, my favorite grammar dispute settler. According to Gregg: “When three or more items are listed in a series and the last item is preceded by and, or, or nor, place a comma before the conjunction.” However, many newspapers and magazines prefer the “non-comma” style, and that is also acceptable. But what is not acceptable is to use both styles intermittently. Pick one style and stick with it. Otherwise, you look careless.